Odds and Ends: Halladay Wants Out, Ticket Prices Up

– Roy Halladay alert: He has reportedly told the Blue Jays he will not resign with them after his contract expires this season. This will certainly speed up the trading process for Toronto as they look to get as much out of him on the market as they can.

Could the Phillies possibly steal him? The Yankees will reportedly give up either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain in any deal, plus some other prospects as well. Would Philadelphia be willing to deal J.A. Happ and Michael Taylor in a deal for one year of Halladay?

– Edwin Jackson is on the trade block out of Detroit. Phillies fans last saw Jackson with the Rays in the World Series a few years back. He is not as talented as Halladay, but is much cheaper for at least the next few seasons. Jackson made just $2.2 million last season and while he will be due a considerable raise, may come with a considerably.

Could he be had for lesser prospects? Jackson’s numbers were very good as he earned his first all-star berth at the age of 26. He finished with 13 wins and a 3.62 ERA in 214 innings. The 6-foot-3 righty struggled a bit down the stretch, but is still in his formative years as a pitcher and could be the solid right hander the Phils are searching for on the cheap.

– FYI for ticket buyers – the prices are going up. Select tickets will be $2 to $4 more expensive for the 2010 season. Hopefully, the brass will spend a little more of it, since the tickets are already getting up there. I know it isn’t Yankee Stadium, but lower level seats go for $40 or more, making it tough for people to afford them.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, season-ticket plans for new account holders will go on sale Tuesday. On Dec. 4, the Phils will begin selling ticket six-packs.

Group-ticket sales will begin Jan. 13, and the Phillies will sell individual tickets to spring-training games the next day.